The 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Football Conference commenced over the next five days, created by the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) to gather 12 teams, to best assist contending teams to prepare for the season, which kicks Off on April 13th. The conference has three focus groups-the Franchise Managers, the Head coaches, and the medical Trainers. As part of the collaborative approach to the season, the Franchise Manager Head will have close engagement with the PNG NRLC team to ensure adequate governance and compliance as top priority. The head coaches will also maintain acknowledgement of the officiating standards of the games with hands on training in performance analysis and session readiness by Mr. Joe Grima, the Manger for Coaching Development high performance. The game places a lot of emphasis on player welfare, safety, and medical care. Club Medical Trainers will need to undergo a tense two-days training coordinated by AFS GROUP owner, Mathew Harrison, to become the first ever Sport Medical Trainer-Rugby League accredited by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL). The PNG NRLC’s General Manager Mr. Leith Isaac stressed the healthy foundation of early collaboration between the establishment and the Clubs Officials to promote standards in player safety, governance, compliance, player development and coaching education to pursue professionalism. The Chief Executive Officer of PNGRFL, Mr. Stanley Hondina stressed the commitment of the game’s administration to provide essential training and atmosphere in the different aspects in rugby to mental and physical fitness in the right environment. We are collaborating closely with Australian experts, utilizing their experience within the organization to deliver the best support in one of the pillars of “Club Professionalism as captured in our PNG NRLC strategy Plan.” “For this season, we will focus on building good coaches, strengthen and conditioning and medical trainers who are to prescribed international standards,” said Hondina. The conference will run from Wednesday, proceeding with the franchise Managers then followed by the Head Coaches and conclude with the medical Trainers on Sunday.

Two East New Britain Financial Institutions in East New Britain Province have inked agreements with the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) recently at the Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENBP). These two institutions are Kada Poroman Microfinance Limited (KPML) and East New Britain Savings & Loans Society (ENBSLS). CGC chief executive officer (CEO) Dominic Sikakau said CGC was set up to assist the SME sector by giving them credit guarantees and is done through establishing partnerships with financial institutions. “CGC is an initiative of the government under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 3 and was setup to assist SMEs.” The CGC CEO explained that in 2022, CGC was registered as a legal entity under the Company’s Act and was officially launched by the Prime Minister in March 2022. “CGC anticipates that the partnerships with the banks can assist the SMEs, as under the 4th MTDP, the government has set a target to have 350, 000 SMEs established.” “SMEs are to contribute 6 percent to the GDP, as captured under the MTDP 4.” “We are proud to partner with ENBSL and KPML and we pleased that they can assist facilitate the loans for SMEs in the province,” Sikakau said. KPML CEO Sankar Chitteti commended the initiative saying that insurance does not cover loans that they provide to customers. “It’s a good support for financial institutions, as it minimizes our credit risks. If you cannot give credit to SMEs then it’s very difficult to grow the local economy.” “The struggle faced with lending also impacts financial inclusion,” Chitteti said. He said that unlike commercial banks that focus on the formal sector, micro banks, and financial institutions like them are struggling because their main focus is on the informal sector.

The Tokarara Secondary School once again is ready for the 2024 academic year with new challenges and new goals to execute throughout the busy year. Tokarara Secondary School student number grows every year especially the intermediate category of grade 9 & 10 with 8 full classrooms every year. With over 1600 students, TSS is prepared for this year and with the teaching staff steadfast to adjust to adequately attend to the student’s needs. Tokarara Secondary School Deputy Principal Mr. Jennor Taniwey stressed that new classrooms are in our plans to accommodate more student in the near future. According to Mr. Taniwey, the number of students motivate the teaching staff to interact and adjust to better accommodate each class and individual students. “We will proceed as normal but will be more involved with our students in academic activities and national events throughout the year.” “We plan to encourage our students to push over their limits academically and we will be there to face the challenges together.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko after citing a United States (US) Government report published in the one of the nation’s daily newspapers recently, expressed utter concern that the downgrade in the human trafficking watch list produced by the US, is of circumstantial evidence and unproven. National Government concerns were also expressed by Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu, with US Charge D'Affaires Matthew Bunt in an explanation meeting. Minister Tkatchenko noted in a statement that the report's conclusion that Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) status has been downgraded from Tier 2 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to Tier 3 in accordance to U.S Government standards, was lack of good faith on its part as a key bilateral partner. Minister Tkatchenko also added that the US Government had failed to furnish to the PNG National Government, substantial evidence that its legislations or democratic institutions encourage trafficking in persons activities. “This includes the lack of real evidence that international syndicates thrive in this illicit business in the country, as the U.S report assumes.” Tkatchenko's response also cited concerns raised by Chinese Ambassador H.E Zheng Fanhua that Chinese entities have been singled out in the report. Furthermore, the Minister underscored that the Marape-Rosso coalition government has been one that propagated the importance of the ‘Rule of Law’ and the ‘Protection of its Citizens as well as Foreign Residents in country.’ He stated that PNG, like the other 192 member states of the United Nations around the world, is a signatory party to International Human Rights conventions such as the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Rights of the Child and Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as core covenants on civil and political rights, racial discrimination, and economic, social and cultural rights. “In addition, PNG provides its Universal Periodic Reviews (UPR) on its Human Rights record to the Human Rights Council in a four-year cycle to be reviewed by its peers.” Minister Tkatchenko has welcomed assurances by U.S Charge D’Affaires, Matthew Bunt that the U.S Government is committed to partner with PNG to combat this issue, and offered that the National Government is genuinely ready to partner with the U.S on the issue. Meanwhile, Tkatchenko said the signing of the PNG – U.S Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) along with the PNG – U.S Ship-Rider Agreement last year coupled with the signed TPN 505 Articles agreement in 2022, are significant milestones in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which should not be taken lightly. “Papua New Guinea is a serious and genuine regional leader and global advocate of peace and security in the world today.” “We will always work with all our key bilateral partners with hindsight of our Foreign Policy of ‘Universalism’ albeit the increase in geopolitical contestations between the US and the People’s Republic of China around the globe, but most importantly in our region.”

The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Member for Lae Open, Mr. John Rosso on behalf of the people of Lae city, the business community and stakeholders, congratulated the Australian Government and its people on celebrating Australia Day recently on Friday 26th January. Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia share a bilateral relationship spanning pre-independence till today. Mr. Rosso stressed that Lae city and the Morobe province appreciates Australia as being the biggest supporter through the Australia-PNG Partnership. “We are grateful for the support of the Australia- PNG Partnership in the areas of education, sports and cultural exchange as well as the Angau Hospital Redevelopment, Lae Seaport Development, Lae Main Market Redevelopment Project, Lae Labor Mobility Program, the Hand- Up Program, Junior Rugby League development. And the Partnership between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defense Force.” Furthermore, he applauded and congratulated the Australian Prime Minister Anthon Albanese and his Administration for recognizing Australia’s first nations people, who have a common cultural heritage with the people of PNG. “We consider our relationship with the Australian Government and people to be a true blessing and we look forward to working together going forward,” said Mr. Rosso.

The New Ireland Provincial Government has set its foot down to rid corruption within its administration as it engages private auditors to conduct an internal audit into the provincial books. According to the statement from the Provincial Government, this is a follow through by Governor Sir Julius Chan who had warned Senior Executive Management over a week ago that anyone found to be misappropriating public funds will be investigated and face the full brunt of the law. Sir Julius met with auditors Stanley Wasi and Elvis Eumints recently and went over the details of the audit process. He mentioned that both auditors have vast experience, having worked as internal auditors for PNG Power Limited. “Wasi was previously engaged by the New Ireland Provincial Government back in 2019 where he looked into the Bopire accounts, small development contacts and other expenditures.” Meanwhile, the New Ireland Provincial Government called for the audit after it was found that some senior officers had been implementing improper directions, tactical public service delays, unauthorized usage of hire cars and fuel, and frequent trips out of Kavieng by senior public servants.

The Governor for New Ireland Province, Sir Julius Chan (Sir J) is urging the prime minister to remove all ministerial positions from the Member for Kavieng and former Treasurer, Ian Ling Stuckey, stating that he shouldn’t be doing any handling of the country’s affairs as a minister following the issues that led to Black Wednesday. Sir J was disappointment to learn that Mr. Ling Stuckey was not fully stripped off his ministry and stressed that Prime Minister (PM) James Marape must sack Mr. Ling Stuckey in order to restore credibility to his cabinet. “We cannot play around with people’s livelihoods and not expect such a rebellious reaction from members of society.” “The Treasurer (former) must take blame for the repercussions on the Income Tax Act 2023 clearly stating changes to the salary and wages withholding tax rates would be applicable from January 1st 2024 onwards,” said the governor. Sir J also blasted Mr. Ling Stuckey and told him not to play around with the National Budget like he plays around with the people of Kavieng and New Ireland. “The K40 million cut from the 2024 Provincial Budget is a deliberate attempt by Ian Ling Stuckey to sabotage the New Ireland Government.” He further stated that Mr. Ling Stuckey has never been sworn in as a member of the Provincial Assembly nor has he attended any Provincial sittings since his re- election in 2022 , which is why Sir J questions his legality in passing National Budgets. “His non-cooperation and absence from attending the Provincial Assembly meetings since being elected in 2022, for seven consecutive sittings, is a violation of section 10 of the Organic law of Provincial and Local Level Government,” Sir Julius said. “There is unanimous support from the Assembly to remove Ling Stuckey from the Provincial Assembly because he does not represent Kavieng District in the Assembly." “Several breach of leadership code matters have been raised to the Ombudsman Commission (OC) and is long overdue for action. I call on ICAC and Police to act on these matters that have been sitting idle for many years. It’s frustrating to see that justice is being denied to the people of New Ireland,” he said. The reports include the unaccounted K64million Lihir royalties under his leadership as Governor from 2002-2007 uncovered in the audit report by RAMS Business Consultant in 2008, the K100 million Lihir royalties diverted to Ian Stuckey and the Namatanai MP, Walter Schnaubelt in a NEC decision since 2021, and Stuckey’s demeaning brand name for New Irelanders as “Kakaruk.” Sir J reminded the National Government that New Ireland is the biggest contributor to the National purse and must be given its fair slice from the National budget. And demands answers to why the former Treasurer saw fit to cut the Provincial Budget by K40 Million.

PNG Power Limited (PPL) has confirmed that a contractor had died on Thursday January 25th at the Sirinumu Dam in the mountains of Sogeri in Central province, whilst carrying out a scheduled maintenance work on the hydro dam. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for PNG Power Limited, Mr. Nehemaiah Naris in a statement explained that a licensed diver was engaged to carry out the maintenance work inside the dam, but was trapped 20 metres under water and unfortunately died at 9:30pm on Thursday night. PPL has conveyed its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased and his work colleagues for this tragic loss and is committed to work closely with its contractor DEC and provide further support where required. "We would like to thank St. John Ambulance service, the police, the fire service, Pacific Towing service, a specialist medical doctor and our local community around Sirinumu for assisting our PPL team to conduct the rescue mission." He stated that sadly, there was not much the rescue teams could do as they lost the diver due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. He said PNG Power Limited  take health and safety as number one priority for all its employees and stakeholders, but this incident was just unfortunate. Nevertheless, the Acting CEO stated that this accident will not affect power supply to all PPL customers in Port Moresby city and the Central province.

The Management of Water PNG has informed the general public in a statement that PNG Power Ltd has confirmed that a contractor lost his life at Sirinumu Dam while carrying out maintenance work. Water PNG with advice from its technical teams assure the public that the water quality will not be affected by this incident. They have explained that all organic and biological matter that comes through the system is filtered and treated at their  Water Treatment Plant before water is distributed for human consumption. "We have had dead animals decay and plants and other biological agents coming through the system and treated all the same." "We are informed that the body of the worker hadn't decayed yet and was still intact in his diving suit." Furthermore, the Board would like to assure the public that the quality of the water supplied to the city is not and will not be affected by this unfortunate incident.

In times like these, when a helping hand is the boost, we all need to continue in our mission to help others. Remington Technology has stepped up its community commitment by donating a brand-new Brother multifunction printer with toners to the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine at Port Moresby General Hospital. The donation supports the Centre's crucial office operations. Operations Manager of the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medecine, Xenia Peni, according to a statement had sought assistance from Remington Technology, resulting in the generous donation. Remington Technology’s General Manager, Justin Kieseker, personally presented the printer recently emphasizing the company’s dedication to being "Loyal to Local", upon a service request from the Centre in search for toners for their old printer. Kieseker expressed pleasure in supporting the Centre's life-saving efforts and highlighted Remington's ongoing contribution through internal blood drives. “Peni, on behalf of the hospital and the Blood Transfusion committee, extended gratitude for the consistent support shown by Remington Technology, not just through the printer donation but also via their active participation in annual blood drives since 2021.” Acknowledging the partnership with Remington Technology, Peni thanked General Manager, Justin Kieseker, and the team for recognizing the Centre's work. “The new printer is expected to boost efficiencies in the day-to-day tasks of the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine.” Meanwhile Peni highlighted the ongoing need for blood donations and encouraged individuals to visit the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine at Port Moresby General Hospital for a free blood test before contributing to this essential medical service that relies entirely on eligible volunteer blood donors.

In a startling turn of events reported by Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, a suspicious death has occurred on Duad Island, Rivo, located on the North Coast of Madang. The incident unfolded during the early night hours’ yesterday, leaving the community in grief and prompting authorities, led by Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, to launch an investigation. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Daniel Willie Kembu, a resident of Duad Island, was reported missing when he failed to resurface during a night dive in the sea. The tragic incident took place as Daniel, accompanied by two family members, set out for a diving excursion around 8-9:00 pm. Gabriel Napal, who was present with the deceased during the incident, provided a statement to the police CID team. According to Napal, the body was discovered in the Nazwan Passage, situated between Sec Island and Wangad Island, which happened to be the last spot where Daniel was seen before the unfortunate incident occurred. As concern and urgency grew among the group of divers due to Daniel's prolonged absence from the surface, the two companions, conducted a diligent search, but there was no sign of Daniel emerging from the sea. After a few minutes of fruitless efforts, the companions decided to return to Duad Island, their place of residence, seeking assistance. The Madang Provincial Police Commander’s Homicide Team initiated a search party that continued until around 9:00 am on Tuesday. Tragically, Daniel Willie Kembu's lifeless body was discovered beneath the sea, lying on the coral reef in the vicinity of where he was last seen diving. The tragic incident has left the community mourning his untimely demise. Acting Superintendent Robert Baim's said the homicide Team conducted an initial investigation, and the family of the deceased has been notified. As the community grapples with the shock of this tragic event, Baim assures that further investigations will be carried out to determine the circumstances surrounding Daniel's suspicious death during the night dive. The Madang PPC, is calling on all local fishermen to exercise health caution when going out for diving or fishing, given the current weather warning issued by meteorological authorities, to avoid such unnecessary deaths.

The East New Britain Provincial Administration is carrying out a 10-day Digital Ward Reporting training in Kokopo, East New Britain Province (ENBP). Ward developments officers (WDO) and LLG managers from 4 Local Level Governments (LLGs) have been selected from each district in ENBP to pilot this training that is being facilitated by Allied Technologies. The LLGs are Duke of York Island of Kokopo district, Balanataman from Rabaul, Sininvit in Pomio and Central Gazelle in the Gazelle District. The system will enable WDOs and CDOs to promptly upload new user information on births, farming practices, community projects, and necessary ward details by using tablets and smartphones. ENB Deputy Provincial Administrator for provincial and LLG affairs Nicholas Larme said the system will enable each ward to have a database that will allow for proper planning. “We will start with the four LLGs and eventually cover the rest of the 23 LLGs in the province.” “The system will be our main tool in rolling out projects in our LLGs and districts.” The Digital Ward Reporting system will improve data collections using targeted and new user interface forms designed and programmed for smart phones for use by the data entry officers. Duke of York Island Ward Development officer Ben Parendo said the focus of the province are wards. He said once wards are empowered, basic service delivery will not be an issue. “The system introduced today is timely and cost effective. We were previously operating on wards affairs monthly reporting then moved into Ward Quarterly Report which is now being integrated into the Digital Ward Reporting system.” He said the data and statistics from monthly log books will now be migrated into the digital system. “I commend the ENB provincial and LLG affairs for the roll out of the system.” “The knowledge we acquire in these two weeks will enable the full implementation of the system.”